Polygonum perforatum var. glaciale Meisn. in DC. Prodr. 14(1): 128. 1856; Polygonum glaciale (Meisn.) Hook. f.; Fl. Brit. Ind. 5: 41. 1886; R.R. Stewart, Ann. Cat. Vasc. Pl. W. Pak. & Kashm. 206. 1972.

Prostrate or suberect, 3-8 (-10) cm high, glabrous, annual herb. Stems many, branched from base, branches diffused. Leaves 0.5 - 2.0 x 0.2 - 0.8 cm, ovate, acute, entire, glabrous - pubescent, petiole as long as the blade, winged above only. Ochrea 0.2 - 0.35 cm long, ovate, tubular, eciliate, glabrous. Inflorescence 3-few flowered capitate, 2-5 mm across, terminal heads, without involucral bracts on c. 1 cm long peduncle. Flowers c. 1.75 mm across, pedicel, 1.0-1.5 mm long. Ochreolae 1-1.5 mm long, ovate, acute. Tepals 5, c. 2.0 x 1.0-1.25 mm, elliptic - lanceolate, obtuse, entire, unequal greenish white. Stamens 5, filaments short. Ovary 1-2 mm long, biconvex; styles 2 unequal, free about half the length. Nuts 1.25-2.0 x 1.5-1.25 mm, trigonous, dark brown to black, punctate.

Fl. Per.: June-September.

Type: Kumaon alt. 13000 ft. Strachey & Winterbottom 44 (K!).

A plant of higher altitude. Grows in moist and shady places between 2500-4000 m. Occupies almost similar habitat as that of Persicaria nepalense; Distribution: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir to Nepal.

It looks like a dwarf alpine form of Persicaria nepalense. However, it can be easily recognized from the latter by overall dwarf habit, long petiole and the inflorescence without involucral bracts.